Abstract: An emission enhancement structure having at least one energy augmentation structure; and an energy converter capable of receiving energy from an energy source, converting the energy and emitting therefrom a light of a different energy than the received energy. The energy converter is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one energy augmentation structure such that the emitted light is emitted with an intensity larger than if the converter were remote from the at least one energy augmentation structure. Also described are various uses for the energy emitters, energy augmentation structures and energy collectors in a wide array of fields, especially in the field of solar cells and other energy conversion devices.

Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.

Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.